Fast and Easy Spinning Tin Can Organizer - Done!

OH MY GOSH!!  I knew it was time to post as I was going through withdrawals from hearing from you guys as well as missing one of my favorite things to do...posting some new projects!  Honestly, you guys have been the most incredible supporters and friends!  I love reading your comments and receiving your emails.  Which brings me to this...If you emailed or commented with a question and I didn't respond, DO IT AGAIN!  Please resend the question!  LOL!  That simply means I had really, really good intentions but got waylaid somewhere along the way. Which my friends, is not hard for me!  "Distracted" or "Distraction" should be my middle name!  :)  It is always my pleasure to help or listen!

OK, enough with the sweet gooshy stuff!  Onto the Fast and Easy Project!

I can never get enough organization in my life, so you will continually see me create things to hold my tools and supplies.  (These things grow don't they!) This time around I was in dire need of pen, pencil, structure strip and paintbrush storage.  I was tired of going into the kitchen to look for a glass and there never was one!  Where in blue blazes have they gone!  AhhhHaaa!  My studio, crammed with the aforementioned!  Good Lawd!  So, I present today's Fast and Easy Project...

 

Spinning Tin Can Organizer!

Materials Used:

Echo Park - Note To Self Paper Collection (See, perfect collection for me and this project huh? LOL!) from Scrapadabadoo.com

Michaels Dollar Bin Handled Cans (Try recycling some soup or veggie cans!)

Round Lid from Paper Mache Box

Plastic Spinner from Scrapadabadoo.com (Which really makes the whole project worth doing!)

Small Fundimentals Tags from Scrapadabadoo.com

Office Max Key Tags

Magnet buttons

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Numerals from InspirationEmporium.com

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Curio Knobs from InspirationEmporium.com

 

How I did it:

It's pretty easy y'all!

BOX LID:

I covered the round paper mache box lid bottom and sides with Echo Park's Note To Self Paper.  I then placed my cans in for a dry fit.  I traced around the cans with a pencil, removed the cans and found the center of the circled traced line.  I glued four of the super strong magnet buttons onto each of the center marks.  I then continued to cover the inside of the lid with the Notes to Self paper.  

SPINNER:

For the next step, I glued the Plastic Spinner to the bottom of the lid.  (Love these!!) I wanted this organizer to sit on my desk so I could just spin it around to get to what I needed.  So cool!

NUMBERING:

Next, I cut five of the ( I knew I was going to have to remember the name of the round photo things!  Well, I don't remember!  Note to self, find out what these blasted things are called!) round photo reel things from the Echo Park collection.  I set these aside.  I then took the key tags, removed the ring from hole (save this for later!) and glued a Tim Holtz Numeral on each of the fronts of the key tags.  I then glued the numbered key tag to the round photo thing and adhered it vertically to the box lid edge.

KNOBS:

With an awl, I pierced a hole on two sides of the box lid and placed a Tim Holtz Curio Knob into each of the holes.  Let me back up a sec, the reason for the magnets and the knobs is so that I can carry it from room to room.  I am forever going from my studio to the kitchen island to work.  (these are THE ONLY flat surfaces left in my house!) The magnets hold the cans firmly in place and the knobs help me get it there.

CANS:

The easiest part of the project was covering the cans with the patterned paper.  I measured from just under the rim to the other rim and cut paper to size.  I glued the paper into place overlapping the edges about 1/2 inch.  Next, I turned the can upside down.  I cut a couple of pieces of med. weight chipboard to around 1 x1 inch, glued them together and then glued them to the bottom center of the can.  Next, I glued the magnet to the top center of the chipboard pieces.  Why the chipboard pieces you ask?  There was a about a 1/4 inch from the bottom of the can to the bottom of the rim.  If I wanted the magnets to reach each other I needed to add the chipboard pieces to extend the bottom.  Your cans may be different.  I would do a test run first and see if you need to add the chipboard extensions.  Last, I punched a scalloped circle from the collection and adhered that on top of the magnet, hiding the chipboard and magnet. I did this for four of the cans.

 

WOODEN BALLS:

For the fifth can, I adhered wooden balls to the edges of the bottom.  Again you ask why?  LOL!  The balls hold the four cans together and believe it or not, they hold the top can in place so it won't tip.

MAGNETS:

OK, getting close now...The last thing I did was to cover the Fundimentals tags with the pattered paper.  After that, I placed the reserved metal key tag rings into the the paper tag and then attached it to the handle of the can.  I numbered the tags to match the numbers on the sides of the box lid.  I know, I know...Why right?  The reason this time is... however perfect you may be,  there will be one can out of the whole stinkin' shooting match that will not line up with all the other magnets perfectly.  So by numbering them, (which I think looks cool just as decoration) the pairs match and fit properly.

That's it!  Pretty simple huh?

THOUGHTS:

As mentioned above, think about recycling some cans from the kitchen trash. I just happened to be in Michaels (just happened to be!  Hahaha!...Oh, I accidentally ran into Michaels!  Please!) and saw these and knew they would come in handy for something.  So I grabbed a few.  But I will totally do this again and recycle my kitchen cans.

The handles on the cans...not needed really.  I liked them.  If you want handles for your recycled ones, come down about 1/2 inch and either pierce with an awl or use your Big Bite Crop-A-Dile to make a 1/8 inch hole.  Once this is done, bend 6" of wire into an arch.  Next, with needle nose pliers, bend the wire making loops on each end.  Place the loops into the holes and pinch the wire together forming the handle.

The Michaels cans, as well as your kitchen cans will obviously hold liquids, think about using the cans as a sort of flower frog.  I could see this as a cool tiered centerpiece filled with fresh cut flowers for an outside party!

Thanks For Visiting!

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

 

Comments

[margaret]

Hi, You make the most amazing things! Margaret x

[Katina]

Very cute and perfect for organizing!! As for the idea about the flowers, I love it and would never have thought of that!

Photo-thingy is for a View Master but don't know the name of it!!

[Lynn Wild]

Never mind "Distraction" as your middle name - I think it should be "Ingenious"! Once again I find myself wishing that we had Michaels stores in the UK. It's a good job that I like soup so much!!!

I have recycling suggestion for you too. You need to start saving the metal tubes that tomato puree and garlic puree come in. The metal is coated inside with something (like copper?) to prevent the acid in the tomatoes from eating into the aluminium of the tube. When the tubes are empty carefully cut off the top and bottom and discard them, then carefully slit up the side (scissors should do it) to open out the metal. Give it a good wash or your projects will smell really intersting!!! Be careful though as the metal is really sharp and I'm not good with blood!!! Then I usually flatten the metal out by putting it inbetween the plates of my Cuttlebug and running it through a few times - but any similar machine should do it. Once it's flat-ish you can put it in an embossing folder and run it through your machine again to get a really lovely piece. If you want to add more colour it's easy to swipe over the top with one of the Stazon inkpads. Why not give this a try and let me know what you think?

I really ought to get myself a blog sometime as I could have shown you how this looks!

Lynn

[Laurie]

Sizzix has a die called the photo wheel that looks a lot like your photo wheel thingy. Love this idea I just need more of the cans! Already have some but need more to make this! Love love love it!

[Patti]

And yet another AWESOME project from the master!!! I "accidently" end up in Michaels or Joanns during my lunch hour most days too...I can't help myself either. My excuse is I need something for one of my pets at Petsmart that just so happens to be right next door to either one of them...LOL. Lucky pets...they're so darned spoiled. Or lucky for me that I have that as an excuse!

[Margaret Ann]

wow Sir Jim, gonna have to so this, I agree with Lynn, cannae get Mchaels or anything like it over here :(

[Linda from Lockbourne]

As soon as I'm done writing this, I'm heading to my kitchen trash can. We had tomato soup last night and I'm rescuing the can to make an organizer for my scissors. My husband will think I'm nuts to go dumpster diving, but I've done other(and much crazier) things in the name of art & crafts and this shouldn't be much of a surprise. Thank you for the inspiration.

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Lynn, Talk about Ingenious!  Thats an awesome Idea!  Yes, will crack open the tomato puree to give this a go this weekend!  Also Lynn, please come join the blogging world.  We would love to see your ideas!  You are such an artist and that should be shared with the world!  :)

Hugs to ya!

Jim

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Patti,

That is so funny about Joanns!  I know exactly what you mean!  At the end of the block where I work there is Joanns (with a Petsmart next door too) on the right and IKEA on the left.  Both stores very hazardous to your AMEX card!  I litereally had to train myself to STOP going into Joanns everyday.  Totally serious!  But good idea about the dog thing!  I have many dogs so, many trips would be needed right?  :)

Thanks Patti!  Have a great Friday!
JIm

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Thanks Lady Margaret!  What are the name of your craft stores in the UK?

See you tonight in class.

Jim

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Linda the Dumpster Diver!

Thanks!  There is nothing like a good dumpster dive in the morning!  LOL!  I hope you have an awesome Friday!

Jim

[Patti n SLC]

OMG Love the idea of the feet on the fifth can!!! I think this would be perfect for plastic cutlery for the patio. I can always count on you to get me creative juices flowing when I am in a funk! Thanks Jim

[Brenda B]

Ahhh... more inspiration. I wish I could finish projects as quickly as you come up with them. LOL TFS

[Kay (Texfolkart)]

I am so glad you are back...was worried you ran off to the beach!!!!!! Love your cans...they are so dang cute! I need storage.....brushes galore and now paper craft tools.....might have to take a road trip to michaels...I mean don't want to....but just might HAVE to.....know what I mean!!!! Love the little round lim thingies....reminds me of the old view master....saw the wonders of the world on those !!!! Fun project as always....thanks for sharing

[The Gentleman Crafter]

That is awesome Patti!  Im glad I could help!  Might need it in return someday!  LOL!  GREAT idea about the cutlery!  Perfect!  napkins, forks, spoons, knives and toothpicks!  :)  Hahaha!

Jim

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Brenda!  Im there this week!  Ive been working on the SAME project ALL week!  Good grief!  Im ready to move on!  Hopefully by the weekend!  I hope!

Have a good one!

Jim

[The Gentleman Crafter]

Thats it!  View Finder...View Master!  Yes, for me it was something like Old MacDonald had a farm! 

Have fun at Michaels!  I may bump into you!  LOL!

Jim

[Lisa]

Perfect idea, now I MUST go to Michale's because I have no soup cans in the house!! DARN!! Thanks for a fun fast idea Jim!!

[June-Marie (mermaid49)]

You have done it again....came up with something that I was just thinking about needing the other day!....I am always hunting for various tools when I am crafting (as I tend to craft in every place other than my craft room!..this way they could all be in one spot and I can carry them with me...going to empty cans from the pantry that I haven't used in a while and it needs cleaning out anyway....thanks again and keep them coming!

[Ruby C]

What a wonderful storage solution. Thanks for the link to the plastic spinner. Your projects are always so much fun.

[Sharon Y (sharona62)]

Great idea! Love everybody's ideas for other uses! Hmmmm, accidentally going to Michaels, yeah that's what I do too, lol. As well as driving the loop so I just happen to hit Joann's and Aaron Brothers, hee, hee. Have a coupon, gotta go is what I tell my husband. He just smiles and tells me to have a great time. He's the best! Thanks for the inspiration.

[Barb E]

I have been looking for something like this for my work bench. What a fantastic idea! Thanks Jim, now I need one of these!

[Barbara Albrecht]

Super cool idea, Mr. Distracto. Thank you for accidently going to M's...you're what keeps their doors open...probably pays for at least one FTE...LOL!

[Kim]

Got to quit thinking so much Mr. Jim. I can't keep up with you. Luckily I am a very organized person and don't need one of these. (I also have a bridge to sell you). I am not so much a M's addict as I am a Hobbit Lobby addict. And now with them AND Archivers being around the corner, I am in a world of hurt! Oh and Hobbit Lobby put out Christmas already. Lord, I have barely broken in the pool this summer. Thanks again for the inspiration.

[Kim]

No wonder that Joann's never has anything when I get there... Hurricane Jim has already been through there!

[Crystal from Hawaii]

I watch Laura Dennisons shows on ustream and I kept hearing her say your name so I looked you up and all I can say is....
WOWZERS!!! Dude you have soooo much talent!!! I am so glad that I found your website. You are such an inspiration. So I would like to put in my plug for you to make ustream videos. Maybe you could test the waters and make a youtube video? Just PLEASE put them out there. I would love to see you teach. Keep up the mind blowing work!!!

[Ina]

You’re awesome! Love what you do with some chipboard and patterned paper. I’ve already tried the The Traveling Watch Box, and know I’ll try to make another one when I get my new paper cutter, the old one didn’t like chipboard! Love your projects and know I’ll try some more. However I'm having a hard time finding chipboard in Norway.

[kay (texfolkart)]

have to put off M's til tomorrow...so may see ya there then!!! Just sayin!!!

[shari (cricutrookie)]

Jim this is such a great idea, I love the fact that you could use it for so many different things. I just happened to be a M's yesterday and they didn't have the cans. Good thing I have a recycling bin to rummage thru. See you tonight on Laura's show. (I'm waiting patiently for you to start u-streaming!)

[Carol]

This is great Jim. I can also see it doubling as a way to orginize things in our motor home where space is limited. I always take my scrapping stuff with us, so this would be amazing to have to sit on the table when I am working and not have my tools all over the place!

[trolley castors]

That organizer looks so cool. I don't think that was possible. This was perfect for all cool guy out there.

[Trudie (aka crzyladycrafts)]

Been gone only a week, and I return to this mind-blowing collection of creativity! Now I see where the Monster Drinks fit in... With Motherly hat on, I think I need to worry about my Jim-Bo getting any rest at all!!! I love it all.

[Nan G]

COOL! Get recycling idea! Now if i only had room on my work table. LOL Oh, they're called Viewmaster disks...for the original 3D viewers.

[Linda Cain]

This is so STINKIN' Cool!!! Does your mind never sleep??? And such fun. I LOVE it. I can see many fun times with the kids and this design.

~Linda

[HawaiianLibrarian]

Waaah! (That's sobbing b/c there R no Michaels, Joanns, Archivers, A.C. Moore...in HI) Thank goodness 4 local stores & online shopping, esp 4 that spinner, & family living on the mainland near stores! After seeing this BusyJim (sounds better than LazySusan) I know Y I spent $$ 4 a can opener that cleanly slices off can tops leaving safe edges. Mahalo 4 sharing your ingenious project.

[Molly Bee]

You have such a great reputation for creating interesting, gorgeous and useful projects and you have done it again with the can organizer. I would love several-one for my craft room,my sewing room and I can also see a use for one in the kitchen and bath. You are one clever fellow and I am so glad that you take time to share your bright ideas and skills.

[LoriC]

Okay, I finally got around to looking at the video for this.... brilliant! I can't help thinking, could I have given you the idea/inspiration for this when you were asking for ideas? Maybe, maybe not, either way you got it done and it is inspiration for me. Oh yeah, note to self, spinny thing is a lazy susan! PS - I hadn't noticed your hair until you pointed it out...goof ball :)